Yesterday, Hallmark Channel announced that host Cristina Ferrare would be replaced as co-host by regular contributor Debbie Matenopoulos. The cable channel didn’t specify when the change would take place.
Today, co-host Mark Steines made a quick announcement that Ferrare had left the show and that Matenopoulos would be replacing her, effective immediately. Ferrare hadn’t been on the show for two weeks and didn’t return for a send-off.
Fans of the show have been concerned if Ferrare was sick and have been wondering if the decision to leave was her decision. On her Facebook page, Ferrare confirmed that she is not sick and essentially says that she was fired. She wrote:
Okay here goes, I feel it’s important to finally step up to the plate and let you know what is happening.
First may I say that my family and I have been so thankful and appreciative for all the love, support, prayers, and good wishes you have been sending me on a daily basis for the past three weeks. It pained me so that I was unable to let you know what was going on out of respect for everyone on Home and Family and the Network. I was asked to wait and I have but now I feel I should out of respect for YOU let you know.
It’s really very simple, Home and Family will have a season 5 which I am so happy for and the Network decided that they want a new co-host and that will be Debbie. She will do a great job!
You can still reach me here on facebook and we shall continue honoring love of family and friends. I truly LOVE you all. You have been my rainbow!
What do you think? Are you sorry that Ferrare is no longer a co-host on Home & Family? Will you continue to watch? Should the show be cancelled or, is Ferrare’s replacement a good idea?
I will never watch the show again.
I am so sorry that Christina Ferrari was replaced. I like Debbie but Christina was the best on that show. I think the decision to replace her was so wrong.
I really miss Christina being on the show. She and Mark worked so well together, and for me, the show just isn’t the same without her.
Deb does a great job on specific segments. But the movers and shakers need to bring back Christina!!!!
Show isn’t the same without Christina. She and Mark had great chemistry together. Miss her
I’m so sorry that the network felt the need to let Cristina go, I personally feel that she was perfect as the co-host, I’m guessing it’s age related which is vary sad because her dedication, warm fun personality and charm are ageless………probably won’t watch the show any longer.
Very disappointed in the decision to replace Christina ! The show is not the same without her. I will no longer tune in everyday for Home and Family ! Best wishes to Christina Ferrare and thanks for adding style and interest fun and laughter to the series!!
I didn’t watch Home and Family faithfully, but at least 3 times a week. When I noticed Cristina wasn’t on the show, I began to worry if something may be seriously wrong with her. I’m relieved to find out she is fine, but was very upset to find out why she is no longer with the show. She was the heart of that show, and the only reason I did watch the few days a week that I did. I have nothing against Debbie, but the fact is, she doesn’t hold a candle to Cristina, and Hallmark, GET A CLUE-YOUNGER… Read more »
Shame on you Home & Family. Christina & Mark made a great team. I liked Debbie but not in the co-host chair. Then you continue the show without making a comment on why Christina was not there, leaving everyone wondering if she was really sick. I think you know you did wrong & didn’t want to admit it. Has it has been so often why try to fix something that isn’t broke. You claim to be a family on that show but obviously that’s not true. TO FIRE CHRISTINA WAS JUST WRONG.! ! I don’t know if I even want… Read more »
I was delighted to find Christina Ferrare on Home & Family after a very long absence of watching her when I moved from L.A. This show was fun because of her, and now that I’m no longer a 20something, its nice to see an old familiar and beloved LA host on TV again. I will no longer watch HF. I did not watch while Debbie was on The View, I will not watch her now. She just doesn’t cut it as a morning variety show host. If I wanted to wake up to something bland, I’ll fix oatmeal. It seems… Read more »
I like the Hallmark channel but Home and Family will not be the same. Christina was the spark on that show. I will miss her!!!
I have not watched the show since Christina left she made it fun I watched it every day but no more her replacement is not the same we miss u sorry to mark.
Show is just not the same. Debbie does not have the same class as Cristina. Just not as interesting. Hallmark lost a class act. Won’t watch anymore. Debbie is to full of herself. Bad decision.
I didn’t get to watch the show on a regular basis. I caught it when I was off. I thought Christina was off for the summer. Really not the same now that she has been replaced. I think Hallmark made a bad decision.
#HALLMARK, #H&F have you taken the hint yet? How many people have to complain about your STUPID decision to remove Cristina (and other talented contributors) before you do something about it? Or are you intentionally sabotaging the show?
I miss Cristina the show is just not the same without her.